Choosing the right industrial storage tank for your business requires thinking about several key factors. It’s worth taking the time to review these factors, as choosing the wrong tank could result in costly repairs, replacements and business disruption.
To help you make the right decision for your business needs, this blog will discuss the top 5 factors to take into account when choosing an industrial tank.
Tank Material
The material that the tank is made from is probably the biggest factor to consider, it’ll impact the durability of the tank and its suitability for your business needs. Common tank materials include:
- Steel/Galvanised Steel: Steel is known for its strength and durability meaning it’s great for storing liquids and some corrosive materials.
- Polyethylene: Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic in the world. Tanks made from Polyethylene are lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
- Fibreglass/GRP/FRP: Fibreglass tanks are also resistant to corrosion and chemicals. Tanks made from this material are commonly used for the storage of fire, drinking and process water in small to medium capacities.
- Glass Coated/Glass Fused to Steel. Tanks made from this material are commonly used for waste water storage.
Choosing the right material depends on what you need to store and the physical location of where the tank will be positioned.
Capacity
Knowing what tank capacity, you require is essential for choosing one that will meet your business needs. Tanks come in a huge variety of sizes, from a few hundred litres to several thousand litres.
To help you choose the right size of tank:
- Think about current and future business needs.
- Think about where the tank will be installed and ensure there is enough room for installation and ongoing maintenance.
Compliance
Compliance with health and safety standards is essential, particularly if you are looking for industrial water tanks.
Different industries have different guidelines for storing liquid and chemicals. For storing potable or drinking water, for example, materials must be tested to BS6920 standards and approved under the UK Water Regulations Advisory Scheme. The tanks must also be sterilised with chlorine, in line with BS6700 standards.
Whatever you are storing in the tank, you must adhere to the relevant safety standards to prevent contamination risks and possible legal penalties and to protect the safety of your employees.
Maintenance
When choosing an industrial tank for your business, maintenance is another thing to think about. Some materials require less maintenance but have a bigger upfront cost (like steel), whilst other materials are cheaper at the offset, but need more inspections for wear and tear (like GRP/FRP/plastic).
Whichever material you go for, try to choose a tank that is easy to inspect and maintain as this can reduce downtime and save money.
Customisation
Every business has different operational needs, so finding a tank that offers customisation options can help. Options like inlet/outlet sizes, internal linings, protective coatings and insulation can give you additional ways to ensure the tank suits your needs. Add-on accessories like ladders, vents and level indicators can also improve the usability of the tank.
Need Help Choosing Your Tank?
If you want professional advice on which industrial tank to choose, get in touch with Franklin Hodge. We can help you make the right choice, avoiding operational nightmares and hidden costs in the long run.